Almost half of used dealers (45%) have added cars from Chinese new entrants to their stock, according to February’s Startline Used Car Tracker which questioned 301 consumers and 62 dealers.
Of these dealers, 45% say they sell quickly, 33% say they represent good value and 20% buyers like the cars on offer.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “In the last couple of years, Chinese new entrants have made a sizeable impact in the new car market with a flood of new models and the rapid establishment of substantial dealer networks.
“Stock is now beginning to filter through into the used sector and it’s clear that a large proportion of dealers are enthusiastic about their arrival. Their proposition in the used sector is similar to new – these are models that represent good value and have high retail appeal.
“It’s interesting that every dealer we surveyed who had sold a Chinese car reported that they sell quickly. A fast turnaround is obviously a key metric for motor retailers seeking stock.”
However, 37% of motor retailers are waiting to see how reliable they prove to be, 20% believe consumer awareness of them is low, and 14% are nervous about parts and other manufacturer support.
Burgess said: “Objections from other respondents indicate a degree of wariness that might be applied to any unfamiliar car brand but to us, it seems likely worries over reliability and manufacturer support are likely to disappear relatively soon.”
